$31m Granite Island causeway rebuild at Victor Harbor wins development approval despite whale concerns

Work is set to start on the Granite Island causeway overhaul but not everybody is happy about the newly approved plans.

An artist's impression of plans for the Victor Harbor causeway. Picture: Supplied

Plans to build a new $31m new Granite Island causeway and demolish the majority of the existing one have been given the green light.

The project, approved by Planning Minister Vickie Chapman, has been contentious amid concerns about how the work will impact on endangered southern right whales and little penguins.

It follows problems with the current causeway’s structural integrity, which forces its closure during strong winds.

The Transport Department, leading the project, has said it has a range of measures in place to protect the animals including stopping pile driving works if whales come within 1km of the site, or penguins within 300m.

Two mother and calf pairs in Encounter Bay whale nursery Picture: Bob Prestwood (under research permit Y26866-1 EBRWS)

Once the new causeway is complete, the 1864-built structure will be demolished apart from two sections at either end, to be revamped and kept as viewing and fishing platforms.

Victor Harbor Mayor Moira Jenkins said the rebuild was vital for her town because the current causeway was “well past its use-by date”.

“It’s something that the majority of people in Victor Harbor are really looking forward to,” she said.

Transport Minister Corey Wingard said it would ensure locals and tourists had access to Granite Island for decades to come.

“The new causeway will have a 100-year design life that will create an elegant local landmark that will be respectful of heritage and place,” he said.

Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Vickie Chapman has approved the plans for Granite Island’s new causeway. Picture: Matt Loxton

“We will also be retaining and restoring sections of the original causeway at both ends, which will allow an appreciation of the original structure and sightlines.”

Encounter Whales spokeswoman Elizabeth Steele-Collins said the decision was “deeply disappointing”, following calls for the Government to avoid building work during whale breeding season from May to October.

“It threatens Encounter Bay as a safe haven for whales to come, particularly for the southern right whale mothers with their babies,” she said.

She said the project risked whales abandoning the Encounter Bay breeding and calving area during the work and in future.

“This has the potential to significantly affect the economy of the entire region, not only in the construction years but for years thereafter.”

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